Falcons Have 'Hat in the Ring' for Kirk Cousins; Justin Fields Plan B?
As the waiting game rolls on, there’s little the Atlanta Falcons can do but prepare themselves for every iteration of these quarterbacking scenarios.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is yet to reach a deal ahead of free agency, making him the biggest fish on the open market. If the Falcons are going to win the NFC South next year, there’s no better (readily available) fit.
However, the clock hasn’t struck zero just yet and there’s no guarantee a separate suitor doesn’t cut the line and force them to pivot.
Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
As things stand, Albert Breer reported that he expects Atlanta “to have its hat in the ring,” for Cousins.
In terms of fitting into a win-now window, Cousins makes a good amount of sense. He’s an above-average quarterback who ranked sixth among passers with at least 200 plays last season. He was playing arguably the best football of his career before tearing his Achilles.
The Falcons have the talent to match. Safety Jessie Bates III was a difference-maker for a defense that exceeded expectations and the skill position core of receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts, and running back Bijan Robinson still inspires optimism. Atlanta’s offensive line is also strong, offering Cousins insurance into his late-30s.
He also has experience with the coaching staff, having spent three seasons with new head coach Raheem Morris and two with his offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson. He’s likely the cleanest schematic fit of the prospective passers this offseason.
If Cousins heads elsewhere, though, many anticipate the Falcons will trade for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
That remains a distinct possibility, but Breer postulated that they could both trade for Fields and draft a quarterback. This would hedge their bet, perhaps necessary given the odds stacked against Fields – passers performing as poorly as he had rarely turned it around. However, that also means wasting (presumably) a premium pick on someone who isn’t helping Fields win.
In that case, why not save the pick necessary for acquiring Fields?
Perhaps they’ll pair him with a quarterback acquired with a later pick, like South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler or Tulane’s Michael Pratt, a path forward that makes more sense than trading for Fields without putting him in the best setting to succeed.
It isn’t yet clear whether Atlanta would prefer to draft a rookie or trade for Fields, but with the uncertainty of one falling to No. 8, their hand may be forced. But make no mistake, the Falcons will be prepared for whatever the offseason throws their way.
